So welcome to Blue Stove, just opened inside Nordstrom in the Village at Corte Madera Shopping Center. The upscale department store recently underwent renovation, and with the upgrades came a full, sit-down restaurant offering global small plates.
It’s part of the trend for Nordstrom to including eating and drinking spots in its shops; the chain has more than 200 restaurants across the nation, ranging from concepts like Bazille (Mediterranean and French), to Bistro N (French), Bar Verde (Italian and Asian), and Ruscello (Mediterranean).
For the Marin location, chef Elizabeth Ozanich doesn’t seem hampered by the fact that she’s working out of a space surrounded by clothing and housewares; the second floor setting is nice with picture windows overlooking Mt. Tam, elaborate tile work on the floor, dark polished wood, and sleek dropped lighting. Think contemporary bistro, where the cooks can be seen in the exhibition kitchen next to the wine bar.
And what is there to eat? How about frisee salad tossed with manchego in quince vinaigrette ($7.25), black pepper caramel chicken wings ($8.95), crisp ‘n’ spicy dark cherry glazed beef ($11.95), shrimp & grits ($10.25), or those Korean BBQ short rib sliders ($8.95). You can check out the entire menu by clicking here.
Just be sure to wash the sticky sauces off your hands before heading back into the store and rifling through the lingerie racks.
Blue Stove: 1618 Redwood Hwy. (in Nordstrom), Corte Madera; (415) 924-8557 or restaurants.nordstrom.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sun.